Is Facebook the new “face” of
literacy? According to Jean Reid’s article “We
don’t Twitter, we Facebook”: An alternative pedagogical space that enables
critical practices in relation to writing. Facebook offers a learning space
that is unique because students are able to connect in an organic way that a
classroom does not always offer. Reid believes that texting an innovative form
of communication where spelling and syntax are evolving. According to Reid’s study students who were
mandated to join a closed Facebook group shared stories, offered advice and
encouraged each other throughout the semester.
The closed group offered a respite where students were able to take
risks, share thoughts and allow for flexible changes in traditional power
dynamics of a classroom.
When I
analyzed my own Facebook account, which is a personal account I have had for
years, most of my posts are related to my children or family time and weekend
activities. I post pictures but do not make a great deal of comments. On
occasion I re-post a funny postcard and I “like” many of my friends comments
and pictures. I have 412 “friends” it
took me about 5 minutes to find out where that was shown on the site so I guess
I don’t care too much about my status as far as that is concerned. As far as
questionable material is concerned I do have one friend that has a tendency to
post himself naked in public places. It’s always his backside and although it
is very inappropriate it is a reflection of his personality and character so I
have never considered removing him from my personal page.
As far as
the educational opportunities of Facebook I am not sure, before reading Reid’s
article I couldn’t have given one but I understand that providing multiple
forums for student discussion can be beneficial for the overall climate and
complexion of the class. I intend to try using a closed Facebook group as a way
to communicate more effectively in my Critical Thinking Strategies course next
semester. I will report back on the plusses and minuses of this new frontier in
my own classroom.
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